Inspired by their school science teacher and by what they learned at the PLUS Network Biennial Conference in Durban last September, two local students came up with the dream of a solar school and started their campaign to raise funds for a solar thermal system to heat the school swimming pool. Sufficient funds are now in place to make the project a reality.

Nomfundo Mbokazi and Michelle Hartley of Danville High School will now graduate with the knowledge that they played a leadership role in setting their school on a path towards sustainability by reducing its electricity consumption. The school now wants to introduce solar thermal heating in the new community sports complex that is underway.

The idea for the project was born when the two students made a presentation about the Imagine Durban process at the Durban conference, speaking about their dream for a crime-free Durban and about how young people can get involved in working towards racial harmony, recycling and energy saving. The girls returned from the conference determined to make the solar heating system an Imagine Durban demonstration project to show people what can be brought about by individual citizens.

They had the opportunity to engage in discussion with conference delegates which included mayors and city officials from many PLUS Network cities and learn about how solar energy is being explored as an alternative energy source in many cities. With Africa's abundant sunshine, they saw it as a natural option for their school community.

As members of their school's Representative Council of Learners they are building support for using paper recycling to fund the installation of more solar thermal units. The school has already installed energy-saving light bulbs, promotes energy-saving practices among students and staff, and has initiated a garden project.

The funding for the school's solar heating project came from PLUS Network members, the Danish International Development Agency, and the Danville School paper recycling fund. The sturdents were supported in their efforts by ICSC localintern Nick Brubaker and the Imagine Durban team. The Imagine Durban project is managed jointly by the eThekwini (Durban) Municipality and the Canadian International Development Agency (CIDA).

More information is at the Imagine Durban website.